Story Behind the Creation of Castle Garden

Introduction

The article "The Story Behind the Creation of Castle Garden" provides a historical account of how Castle Garden, originally a fort and later an entertainment venue, was transformed into New York City’s first official immigration processing station. The article explores the reasons behind this transformation, the key figures involved in the decision-making process, and the significance of Castle Garden in managing the growing influx of immigrants to the United States during the mid-19th century.

Interior View of Castle Garden. Harper's New Monthly Magazine, March 1871. GGA Image ID # 14b46c8b0e

The article responds to the question: Who was the first to propose Castle Garden for the benefit of foreign immigrants? Is the board of management a National or a State organization? How did it originate?

Early Conditions

The pathetic condition in which Immigrants were landed In New York, the cruelties inflicted upon them in many cases In over-crowded emigrant ships, the extortions and downright frauds practiced upon them when they were put ashore like so many cattle and left to shift for themselves in a strange city, without language to make their wants known, began to attract the attention of humane public officers and merchants of that city at an early day.

The outrages multiplied, and the importance of providing some remedy grew with the rapid increase of foreign immigration, from 22.633 for the United States in 1831 to 104,565 in 1842.

Creation of the Board of Commissioners of Emigration

The Legislature of New York State was appealed to. On May 5, 1847—in which year the rate of foreign immigration more than doubled upon that of 1842, the total number received rising to 234,968—it created the present Board of Commissioners of Emigration of the State of New York, which has been in successful operation ever since and has proved one of the most benevolent institutions of the land.

It consists of nine members, six of whom are appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate. At the same time, the other three are the Mayor of the city and the Presidents of the German Society and the Irish Emigration Society. All of these serve without compensation.

Provisions of Legislation

The law makes it their duty to provide suitable quarters for the reception of alien passengers arriving at New York; to care for the sick and helpless among them; to protect them from extortion, fraud, and impositions of any kind; to aid those who wish the transfer to the railways and other transportation routes to the interior of the country; to assist such as wish to remain in the city to obtain work, and, in general, to give them trustworthy information and advice, and guard their interests.

For this purpose, they were authorized to collect from vessel owners $2.50 for each passenger until 1871, when it was reduced to $1.50.

Creation of Castle Garden

In 1855, the city of New York leased Castle Garden to the Commissioners for an immigrant landing depot, which was opened in August of that year. It occupies the extreme southern point of the city at the junction of the North River, or Hudson, with the East River.

A more convenient, healthy, and every way desirable station could not have been selected. The immigrants are brought here directly from immigrant vessels, in tugs or barges, and received into rooms adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated.

Bathrooms, lunch counters with reasonable-priced provisions, suitable sleeping quarters, and other conveniences are all within the building and are conducted under strict supervision.

The names of those who have money, letters, or friends awaiting them are called out. Clerks stand ready to write letters for them in any European language.

There are railway offices where tickets are sold by thoroughly responsible clerks who can speak with them in their native tongues.

Responsible brokers exchange their foreign coin and currency at par market value. There is an employment bureau to find work for those who do not care to go any farther.

A physician is in attendance, and the sick are appropriately cared for in a temporary hospital until they are transported to the immigrant hospitals on Ward's Island.

Because about two-thirds of all the foreign immigrants to the United States land in New York, it is a noble institution that meets these strangers with such generous provisions for their wants.

Immigration Statistics 1847-1873

According to an article in "The American Cyclopedia," of the 5,083,392 immigrants arriving in New York between May 5, 1847, and January 1, 1873, for whom commutation money was paid by the vessel-owners, "all of whom received protection, advice, and information from the commissions,

• 1,465,579 were provided and cared for out of the immigrant fund for a greater or lesser period during the five years after their arrival;
• 398,643 received treatment and care in the institutions of the commissioners;
• 449.275 were temporarily supplied with board and lodging and money relief in the city of New York;
• 349,936 were provided with employment through the labor bureau at Castle Garden;
• 53,083 were forwarded from Castle Garden to their destination in the United States or returned to Europe at their request and
• 214.642 were relieved and provided for in various parts of the State of New York," all out of this immigrant fund.
  

In 1872, 3 bills were introduced into Congress to supersede this New York Emigration Commission by a National Bureau. Still, the movement excited great opposition, not only in New York but also in other quarters, and failed.

Jones, William P., “New York Immigration Commission,” in The Inter Ocean Curiosity Shop For The Year 1883, Seventh Edition, The Inter Ocean Publishing Company, Chicago, 1891 p. 56

Key Points

• Origins as a Fort: Castle Garden was initially built as a fort, known as Castle Clinton, in the early 19th century to defend New York Harbor during the War of 1812.
• Transition to an Entertainment Venue: After the fort’s military use became obsolete, it was converted into an entertainment venue, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and public events.
• Need for an Immigration Station: By the mid-19th century, the rapid increase in immigration to the United States, particularly through New York City, necessitated the creation of a dedicated facility to manage the arrival of immigrants.
• Transformation into an Immigration Station: In 1855, Castle Garden was officially designated as New York’s first immigrant processing station, marking the beginning of its role as a gateway for millions of immigrants entering the United States.
• Impact on Immigration: Castle Garden played a crucial role in managing the large influx of immigrants, providing a centralized location for health inspections, document verification, and assistance with employment and housing.

Summary

"The Story Behind the Creation of Castle Garden" traces the evolution of Castle Garden from its origins as a military fort to its transformation into America’s first immigrant processing station. The article highlights the factors that led to this transformation, including the growing need for a centralized facility to manage the increasing number of immigrants arriving in New York City. The creation of Castle Garden in 1855 marked a significant development in the history of American immigration, as it became the primary entry point for millions of immigrants seeking a new life in the United States.

Conclusion

The transformation of Castle Garden into an immigration station was a pivotal moment in the history of American immigration. As the first facility of its kind, Castle Garden set the precedent for how the United States would manage the arrival of immigrants for decades to come. The article underscores the importance of this historical site in shaping the immigrant experience and its lasting impact on the development of American society.